“I shall probably see the prince ere long,” said the Chevalier, “and will not fail to tell him what warm partisans he has among the ladies of Northumberland.” “Tell him that Dorothy Forster, of Bamborough Castle, will do her best to aid him whenever he comes,” cried that young lady. “Tell him that Anna Webb begins to think he never means to come at all, and fears he has forgotten his friends,” added the other. “Both messages shall reach him, I promise you,” said the prince. “And when he learns how surpassingly beautiful are the two damsels who sent them he will be doubly gratified.” “We need no compliments,” said Anna. “For my part I am out of patience with the prince.” “Why so?” “Because he neglects so many opportunities. He might be on the throne now, had he chosen.” “The prince has neglected no chance. But you are not aware of the difficulties he has had to encounter.” “I can partly guess them. But they are nothing. Were I in his place I would have made twenty attempts, and either have succeeded or perished.” “I admire your spirit. But to win a kingdom, you must have an army. And the prince has no army.” “He could have one very soon,” cried Anna. “Yes, that is certain,” added Dorothy. “A small army could be raised in this county. Lord Derwentwater could bring five hundred men. And my brother, Mr. Forster could raise a troop.” “Tell this to the prince, when you go back,” cried Anna. “Say that the Jacobite ladies of England are dying to behold him.” “That will bring him, if anything will,” laughed the prince. At this moment Lord Derwentwater came up, and said to Anna: “May I ask what message you are sending to the prince?” “That we are all tired of waiting for him,” she replied. “We have been so often disappointed, that we begin to think he will never come.” “Then let me inform you that I have just received certain intelligence that his majesty is in England at this moment.” Dorothy and Anna uttered exclamations of surprise and delight. “You hear that, papa?” cried the latter to Sir John Webb. “Lord Derwentwater says that his majesty, King James the Third, is now in England. Is not that good news?” “Wonderfully good news!” exclaimed Sir John. “Where has he landed?” “I can't tell you where he has landed,” cried Tom Forster, scarcely repressing a joyous shout. “But I can tell you where he is now. Since none of you have discovered him, I'll be first to kiss hands.” And rushing forward, he bent before the prince, who graciously extended his hand towards him. On this there was a general movement towards the prince, who had now entirely changed his deportment, and received them all with dignified affability. To Lady Webb he showed marked attention, and to each of the young ladies he had something pleasant to say, and soon relieved any uneasiness they might feel as to the freedom with which they had spoken to him.